Opelousas Police Department

09/05/2026

09/03/2026

💜 SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH 💜

Chief Graig LeBlanc and the Opelousas Police Department encourage everyone in our community to make connection a priority this September. Sometimes a simple conversation, a phone call, or asking someone, “Are you okay?” can make a meaningful difference.

📅 September 8 – 988 Day
📅 September 10 – World Su***de Prevention Day
💜 September – National Su***de Prevention Month

If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance.

Chief LeBlanc and OPD remind our community: You never know what someone may be going through. Check on your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and especially our young people. Listen without judgment, show compassion, and help connect those in need with support.

One conversation. One connection. One act of kindness can make a difference. 💜

Joe Anderson
Public Information Officer
Opelousas Police Department
Protection Through Service 👮🏽‍♂️👮🏾‍♀️🚓

09/02/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT | “CAT IN THE HAT” SOCIAL MEDIA TREND 🚨

Chief Graig LeBlanc and the Opelousas Police Department are asking parents, guardians, students, and members of the community to be aware of the “Cat in the Hat” trend currently circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms.

What may appear funny or harmless online can have serious real-life consequences. Some versions of this trend may involve individuals wearing masks or disguises, entering private property, trespassing, or intentionally frightening members of the public. These actions are not a joke and could result in police involvement, criminal charges, or someone being seriously injured.

⚠️ Parents and guardians, please talk with your children and teens:

DO NOT enter or remain on someone else’s property without permission.

DO NOT wear masks or disguises to frighten, threaten, or intimidate others.

DO NOT participate in social media challenges that could put yourself or others in danger.

Remember: What you post or do for social media can have real-world consequences.

Chief LeBlanc and OPD encourage everyone to make responsible decisions and never risk their safety, or someone else’s safety, for views, likes, shares, or a viral video.

👀 SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.
📞 Opelousas Police Department: 337-948-2500

Joe Anderson/PIO
Opelousas Police Department
Protection Through Service 🚔💙

09/01/2026

🚨 UPDATE | MISSING JUVENILE LOCATED SAFE 🚨

The Opelousas Police Department is pleased to report that 16-year-old Jaivien Newman, who was previously reported missing, has been located and safely returned home to his family.

Jaivien is in good condition and doing well.

Chief Graig LeBlanc and the Opelousas Police Department would like to thank everyone who shared the information and assisted in helping bring Jaivien home safely.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Joe Anderson/PIO
Opelousas Police Department
Protection Through Service

08/31/2026

❤️👮🏽‍♂️👮🏾‍♀️🚓

08/31/2026

🌀 TROPICAL WEATHER ADVISORY | STAY PREPARED 🌀

Chief Graig LeBlanc and the Opelousas Police Department are advising citizens to remain weather aware as Potential Tropical Cyclone #5 is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Edouard later today.

Current forecasts indicate the primary impacts are expected along the Southeast Texas coast, with Tropical Storm and Coastal Flood Warnings in effect for Cameron Parish. While Opelousas and much of St. Landry Parish are currently expected to see minimal impacts, our area could experience scattered tropical showers and thunderstorms over the next few days.

⚠️ We encourage everyone to remain prepared:
• Monitor local weather forecasts and official emergency updates.
• Be prepared for periods of heavy rain and possible localized street flooding.
• Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
• Secure loose outdoor items before storms arrive.
• Keep phones and other important devices charged.
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance.

Conditions can change quickly with tropical systems. Chief LeBlanc and OPD encourage everyone to stay alert, stay informed, and be prepared.

We will continue to monitor conditions and share important public safety information as needed.

Joe Anderson/PIO
337-948-2500 Office
www.opelousaspolicedept.com
Opelousas Police Department
🚔 Protection Through Service

08/31/2026

🚨 THINK BEFORE YOU POST — THREATS ARE NOT FREE SPEECH 🚨

Chief Graig LeBlanc and the Opelousas Police Department remind everyone to be mindful and responsible when using social media. Freedom of speech does not protect “true threats.” Threatening violence against another person—including a public official—or threatening their family or property may result in a criminal investigation, arrest, and prosecution under applicable Louisiana law.

Social media is not a free pass to threaten, intimidate, harass, or encourage violence. Posts, comments, direct messages, videos, and other electronic communications can become evidence in a criminal investigation. Louisiana law contains several provisions that may apply depending on the circumstances, including laws addressing terrorizing (La. R.S. 14:40.1), cyberstalking (La. R.S. 14:40.3), public intimidation and retaliation (La. R.S. 14:122), unlawful communications (La. R.S. 14:285), cyberbullying, for persons under age of 18 yrs. (La. R.S 14:40.7) and inciting a felony (La. R.S. 14:28).

⚠️ BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU POST.
Disagreement and criticism are part of free expression. Threats of violence are different. Be truthful, avoid knowingly false or defamatory statements, and understand that what you publish online may also expose you to potential civil liability.

Before you hit POST, SHARE, SEND, or COMMENT, think about the possible consequences.

Be Mindful. Be Respectful. Be Responsible.

Joe Anderson/PIO
Opelousas Police Department
🚓 Protection Through Service👮🏾‍♀️👮🏽‍♂️

08/29/2026

🚨 MISSING PERSON | PLEASE SHARE 🚨

The Opelousas Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Javien J'von Newman.

Missing Person Information:
• Name: Javien J'von Newman
• Age: 16
• Height: Approximately 5'10"
• Weight: Approximately 206 lbs.

Javien J'von Newman was last seen wearing cream colored shorts and an unknown shirt. He left the area of East Madison Street at approximately 6:30p on 08-28-26. Possibly heading to Monroe, LA.

Anyone who has seen Javien J'von Newman or has information that may help locate him is urged to contact the Opelousas Police Department at 337-948-2500.

Please share this post to help bring Javien home safely.

Joe Anderson
Public Information Officer
337-347-0816 Cell
337-948-2500 Office
www.opelousaspolicedept.com
Protection Through Service

08/29/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT | PLEASE SHARE 🚨

The Opelousas Police Department is warning the public about a disturbing phone scam reported in our area.

OPD has received complaints involving callers falsely claiming that a family member has been KIDNAPPED. The scammers then attempt to frighten and pressure the victim into sending money for the family member’s supposed release.

⚠️ DO NOT SEND MONEY. DO NOT PANIC.

If you receive a call like this:

• Stay calm and do not provide personal or financial information.
• Do not send money, gift cards, electronic payments, or cryptocurrency.
• Attempt to contact the family member directly using a phone number you already know.
• Do not rely on information or phone numbers provided by the caller.
• Save the caller’s number, messages, payment instructions, and any other information that may assist investigators.
• Contact law enforcement immediately before sending any money.

Scammers often use fear, urgency, threats, and emotional pressure to prevent victims from thinking clearly or verifying whether their loved one is actually in danger.

The Opelousas Police Department is currently investigating these complaints. We encourage everyone to share this warning, especially with elderly family members and others who may be targeted by scammers.

📞 Opelousas Police Department: 337-948-2500

Joe Anderson/PIO
Opelousas Police Department
Protection Through Service 🚓